Gunung Lebah - The Birthplace of Ubud

Established in the 8th century by the Indian priest Rsi Markandeya, Gunung Lebah Temple was built as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat. Its location at the confluence of the Wos and Pormin rivers, where they merge to form the sacred Campuhan, was chosen for both its tranquil setting and the potent healing properties of the surrounding flora.

Surrounded by lush rainforest rich in medicinal plants, the area was originally called "Ubad," meaning medicine in ancient Balinese, due to the healing herbs discovered there. The temple's name, loosely derived from words meaning 'hill' and 'valley,' reflects its position in this landscape, long believed to radiate strong spiritual energies. Over the centuries, Gunung Lebah has become an important site for purification rituals, including the ceremonial bathing of temple relics and the safeguarding of sacred ashes of the deceased.

High priest Rsi Markandeya is widely credited with bringing Hinduism to Bali in the 8th century, heavily influencing the path of Indonesian history and leaving an indelible mark on the island’s spiritual and cultural identity. Leading an expedition from Java, he sought to cultivate and sanctify the land, ultimately founding a network of temples that shaped Balinese Hinduism. Among his most significant contributions was the establishment of Pura Besakih, the revered Mother Temple on the slopes of Mount Agung.

As part of his spiritual mission, Markandeya performed sacred purification rituals and buried the Panca Datu, five precious metals believed to guard and bless the land, symbolising the divine foundation of Bali. His influence extended beyond Besakih, with temples like Gunung Lebah in Ubud also tracing their origins to his vision.  Over time, Ubad became Ubud, now renowned as Bali’s cultural and spiritual heart. Both the town and the temple reflect Markandeya’s enduring legacy.

The uneasy dance between the sacred and the sinister is etched into the very foundations of Gunung Lebah Temple, rising from a valley steeped in both healing and haunting. Set above the Campuhan, the site is also a threshold, or “petak”, where the veil between worlds grows thin. In Balinese belief, such liminal spaces hum with spiritual energy, attracting both benevolent forces and malevolent spirits. River junctions like this are known to be especially volatile, gateways for the dead, a crossroads where the unseen moves freely. The temple became a spiritual bulwark: a place not only for ritual purification and healing ceremonies but banishing the darker entities said to stalk the edges of this sacred terrain.

Location : Jalan Raya Ubud No 23, Sayan, Kec. Payangan, Kabupaten Gianyar

How to get there : Head about 2km’s west (or a brisk 10 minutes walk) from the center of Ubud towards the bridge, along the Jalan Raya road. When you arrive in front of Murnis Warung at the bottom of the hill, you will see the sign for Ibah Villas and Spa on the right. To your immediate left you will see a steep pathway to the temple car park, around 300 steps down off the main road.

Attraction Info : Entry to this ancient temple is completely free and is open 24 hours a day. The inner temple is open for religious ceremonies only. Standard temple dress codes apply.

Explore Bali

Thanks for reading about Gunung Lebah - The Birthplace of Ubud. Check out more destinations here!